A spokesman for Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the BBC: “We are aware of an Irish citizen having been arrested in Rio. The department, through its consulate in Rio, is following up and stands ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”

Sports minister Shane Ross, who is in Rio and who met Mr Hickey at the weekend to discuss the ticket sales allegations, tweeted simply: “Shell shock here in Rio.”

The OCI said in a statement it was “aware of the media stories regarding Pat Hickey and we are seeking total clarity on the situation before we comment further”.

Irish minister wants independent inquiry into Olympic ticket sales

Mr Hickey is president of the European Olympic Committees, the body which gathers the continent’s 50 national Olympic committees together.

His passport and Olympic ID were seized and were later displayed to photographers at the press conference.

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